American Idol’ Who Made the Top 5 and Who Went Home in the Emotional Mother’s Day Episode?

An emotional Mother's Day episode narrowed the competition as powerful performances and surprising eliminations redefined the path to the finale.

The battle to find the next American Idol is heating up as Season 23 reaches its homestretch. Sunday night's show (May 11, 2025) wasn't only Mother's Day-themed, but also one of the most dramatic and emotional episodes of the season. With seven contestants left, the stakes were higher than ever before, and only five would remain standing to move forward by the end of the night.

This week has seen some of the most vocally gifted and emotionally evocative performances in recent memory. From new songs to heart-wrenching Disney standards, the show's ability to access nostalgia and raw emotional identification was out in full swing this week. Let's go a bit further in depth with who wowed the judges and audience, and who saw their Idol dreams come to an end.

The Top 5: New Stars To Watch With Something to Prove

Five went through to the next round, having earned their place not only on technical ability but on irrefutable passion and charisma.

1. Breanna Nix

The 25-year-old mom from Denton, Texas, just keeps winning hearts. Singing "Reflection" from Mulan, she aced every note and delivered the lyrics with deep feeling. Breanna's rendition felt particularly intimate, given her own experience as a teen mother chasing a dream. The judges were impressed by her maturity and control, and America expressed its gratitude with votes. With her vulnerability and strength, Breanna is a front-runner.

2. Jamal Roberts

Jamal got a standing ovation with a powerful rendition of "Go the Distance" from Hercules. His vocal range and stage presence impressed both the audience and judges. What set the performance apart was that he connected genuinely with the lyrics—an underdog's tale that reflects his own journey on the show. Jamal has consistently given good performances, and this week reinforced his position in the Top 5 even more.

3. John Foster

A classic country singer from the past, John performed a retro-style number, "Believe" by Brooks & Dunn. The show was a tribute to vintage country music in its performance. The smooth baritone and sincere interpretation of the performance made it one of the standouts of the episode. Judges praised him for staying true to his roots and adding contemporary zeal to his singing.

4. Slater Nalley

Slater took a huge risk with Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright"—an acoustic, lyrics-driven masterpiece. But the gamble paid off. His passionate, acoustic take featured his raw ability and potential to convey a tale in song. He's becoming the dark horse of the competition with his realness and creative edge.

5. Thunderstorm Artis

Already known for his unique voice and songwriting skills, Thunderstorm sang a cover of a song dedicated to his wife. His deep vocals and gentle words created a charming moment that put everyone in a good mood as to why he's unique. He's amongst the most senior performers on the show, and this act served to demonstrate the potential that will take him through to the end.

❌ The Eliminations: Two Strong Voices Say Their Goodbyes

Regrettably, two good candidates got eliminated, sending both judges and fans into shock.

Gabby Samone

Gabby delivered a moving version of “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana, which was vocally strong but possibly overshadowed by the night’s more emotionally resonant performances. While she had been a fan favorite in earlier rounds, the intensity of competition this week made it clear that small differences can make a big impact. Her exit was met with disappointment from many viewers, who praised her consistency and growth throughout the season.

Mattie Pruitt

Mattie's rendition of "Raised by Those Kind of Women" was intimate and emotional, but it wasn't quite enough to push her into the Top 5. The judges lauded her as a storyteller, but the audience votes simply didn't fall her way. Her exit was emotional but classy, and she leaves the show with a new fan base and potential for a strong post-Idol career.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Finale

It will only get more tense with five of them left. Every singer now has the added task of not only out-singing their competition but also maintaining development and individuality. Next week there will be a theme of personal anthems, where contestants are able to present songs that best represent what they are.

Season 23 has been a whirlwind of talent, passion, and stunning vocal performances. As we prepare to go into the finale, one thing's certain—America is in for a fantastic ending. Whether you're a fan of country music, an R&B fan, or a fan of singer-songwriters, there's someone among this Top 5 who gets directly to your musical heart.

Tune in next week when these gifted artists go head to head for a place in the Top 3 and one step closer to becoming the next American Idol.

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